Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

ABSTRACT

The method with the highest temporal and spatial resolution is the magnetic search coil technique. Using this method, measuring eye rotations in 3D has developed into a stage where routine clinical application is realistic. This article describes some clinical pplications of search coil head thrust test. It has been reported that vestibular neuritis can affect the superior and inferior vestibular nerves together or selectively, and that Meniere's disease may differentially affect the low-frequency sensitivity of the canals and the effect of intratympanic gentamicin is probably the reduction of vestibular function through damage to hair cells. Also, individual canal function could be evaluated in subjects with posterior canal occlusion or superior canal dehiscence syndrome. Thus, the analysis of 3D movements not only provides an improved understanding of how the brain organizes movement in 3D space, but also has the potential to significantly improve our diagnostic capabilities.